GB2517145A

GB2517145A - Improvements in and relating to packaging apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2517145A
Application number: GB1314250.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rui Carlos Miguel Cardadeiro
Original assignee: Packaging Automation Ltd
Current assignee: Packaging Automation Ltd
Priority date: 2013-08-08
Filing date: 2013-08-08
Publication date: 2015-02-18
Anticipated expiration: 2033-08-08
Also published as: GB2517145B; GB201314250D0

Abstract

A packaging apparatus has a station 20, a feed conveyor 30, and a transferer to transfer containers from conveyor to station and from the station back to the conveyor or elsewhere. The transferer can engage stationary containers at the station and then, without releasing these, engage moving containers on the conveyor so that the conveyor need not be stopped. The conveyor can be stepped or have selective speeds so that the speed of the containers and transferer can be interpolated during collection. The feed conveyor may be provided with gate controls and sensors to coordinate movement of the transferer with the feed mechanism and packages. There may be apparatus at the station to seal the container. The trasferer may include fingers on jaws forming two sets of multiple bays; the fingers of one set being longer than the fingers of the other set to engage packages earlier.

Description

Improvements in and relating to packaging apparatus

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to packaging apparatus, to transfer means for packaging apparatus, to packaging methods and to packaged products.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

A known type of packaging apparatus which can be used to produce sealed containers comprises a sealing station for sealing film to trays.

In such apparatus a film sheet and trays are fed into a sealing station. Press means of the sealing station are then moved relative to one another to bring the trays and film sheet into contact with one another and to apply pressure to hold them in contact during a sealing step.

Once the film is sealed to trays the film is cut between trays, the press means are moved relative to one another to release the sealed trays and the sealed trays are removed from the sealing station.

It is known to use a conveyor to transport trays toward a sealing station and to use a further conveyor to transport trays away from a sealing station. It is also known to use transfer arms to transport trays into, through and out of a sealing station. W02009/022180 describes such a packaging apparatus.

Whilst known packaging apparatus is effective there remains a difficulty that trays are held stationary in the sealing station. Accordingly, to allow the transfer (advancing) arms of known packaging apparatus to simultaneously engage trays to be transported into the sealing station and to engage trays to be transported from the sealing station the trays to be transported into the sealing station must also be held stationary. The need to hold trays upstream of the sealing station stationary in this manner has a limiting effect upon the speed at which the packaging apparatus may be operated.

Accordingly, the present invention aims to address at least one disadvantage associated with known packaging apparatus whether discussed herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present nvention there is provided a packaging apparatus comprising: (i) a station adapted, in use, to hold containers for a period of time; (H) a feed means adapted, in use, to convey containers to said station; and (Hi) a transfer means adapted, in use, to transport containers from said feed means into said station and to transport containers from said station; and wherein the apparatus is adapted such that: in use: (a) the transfer means engages containers in the station whilst containers on the feed means are being conveyed towards the station and the transfer means then engages containers on the feed means; and/or (b) the transfer means engages stationary containers in the station and the transfer means engages moving containers on the feed means; and/or (c) the feed means does not require to be stopped to allow the transfer means to transport containers therefrom.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted such that the transfer means engages containers in the station whilst containers on the feed means are being conveyed towards the station and the transfer means then engages containers on the feed means.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted such that the transfer means engages stationary containers in the station to transport them from the station and the transfer means engages moving containers on the feed means to transport them into the station.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted such that the transfer means engages stationary containers in the station whilst containers on the feed means are being conveyed towards the station and the transfer means then engages moving containers on the feed means.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted such that the feed means does not require to be stopped to allow the transfer means to transport containers therefrom.

The feed means may be adapted to selectively move at variable rates and/or pause to allow containers to be correctly positioned thereon. Suitably, the feed means is adapted such that, in normal operation, movement is not paused or stopped for any longer than 1 second, suitably for any longer than 0.1 second.

The apparatus may comprise a feed means adapted to receive containers from an upstream supply means, for example an infeed conveyor. The feed means may be adapted to selectively move at variable rates and/or pause to allow containers to be correctly positioned thereon as they are received from an upstream supply means.

The feed means may be adapted to selectively move at variable rates and/or pause to allow containers to be correctly positioned thereon for collection by the transfer means such that said containers can be transferred therefrom.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and the containers during a collection phase.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and the containers on the feed means such that the feed means does not require to be paused or stopped for any longer than 1 second, suitably for any longer than 0.1 second, to allow the transfer means to transport containers therefrom. The apparatus may be adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and the containers on the feed means such that the feed means does not require to be stopped to allow the transfer means to transport containers therefrom.

Suitably, the feed means comprises a conveyor. Suitably, the teed means comprises a stepping conveyor. Suitably, the apparatus comprises a stepping conveyor adapted to receive containers from an infeed conveyor.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises a gate to control the passage of containers onto the teed means. Suitably, the apparatus comprises a gate to control the passage of containers from the infeed conveyor onto the stepping conveyor.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises sensor means to sense the position of containers and coordinate movement of the teed means and transfer means. Suitably, the apparatus comprises sensor means to sense the position of containers and coordinate movement of the stepping conveyor and transfer means.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and the feed means. Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and a feed means comprising a stepping conveyor.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted such that the transfer means passes containers from said station to a transport means, for example to a conveyor.

Suitably, the station is adapted to hold a plurality of containers, for example 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 containers. Alternatively, the station may be adapted to hold a single container.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to transport a plurality of containers into said station.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to transport a plurality of containers from said station.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to transport an equal number of containers into the station and from the station.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to transport the same number of containers as the station is adapted to hold from the station. Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to transport the same number of containers as the station is adapted to hold to the station.

Suitably, the station comprises a sealing station. Suitably, the sealing station comprises a sealing station for heat sealing containers.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a container by sealing a closure member to said container. Suitably, the station comprises a sealing station adapted to seal closure members to containers.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a container which comprises a tray. Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a container by sealing a closure member to it. Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a container which comprises a tray by sealing a closure member to it. Suitably, the closure member comprises a sheet material.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a plurality of containers. Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a plurality of containers simultaneously.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a closure member to a plurality of containers.

Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a closure member to a plurality of containers simultaneously. Suitably, the apparatus is adapted to seal a closure member to a plurality of containers and then cut the closure member to produce separate sealed containers.

Suitably, the closure member comprises a film sheet. Suitably, the closure member comprises a plastics film sheet. Alternatively the closure member may comprise a metal foil or carton sheet. Suitably, container comprises a plastics container. Alternatively the container may comprise a metal container or carton.

The apparatus suitably includes a container support surface which is arranged to support containers as they are moved by the transfer means through the station. Suitably, the transfer means are adapted to slide containers over the support surface.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted, in use, to engage moving containers to transport them from a feed conveyor to the station whilst the conveyor is moving and to simultaneously engage stationary containers in the station.

Suitably, in use, the transfer means simultaneously transports trays from a feed conveyor into the station and transports trays from the station whilst the feed conveyor is moving.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises control means for coordinating the operation of the feed means and transfer means. Suitably, the control means comprises a programmable controller.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer apparatus. Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer apparatus arranged to collect containers from said teed means. Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer apparatus arranged to collect containers from a feed conveyor. Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer apparatus arranged to deliver trays to a conveyor. Suitably, the packaging apparatus comprises a feed conveyor and a second conveyor interposed by a station with a container transfer apparatus adapted to transport containers between said conveyors through said station.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer apparatus comprising a container transfer member, preferably two container transfer members, for engaging containers in use.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer member, preferably two members, for engaging and moving containers. Suitably, the transfer means comprises two container transfer members for engaging opposed sides of containers in use. The or each transfer member suitably comprises an transfer arm. Suitably, the transfer means comprises a first and a second transfer arm. Suitably, the transfer arms are aligned with one another and arranged to move in tandem with one another.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a driving means to which the transfer member or members are connected. Suitably, the driving means comprises a drive motor for moving the transfer member or members. Suitably, the driving means comprises a track for guiding the movement of the transfer member or members. Suitably, the drive motor and the track are configured to move and guide first and second tray transfer arms.

Suitably, the container transfer means is adapted to define a plurality of bays in which containers can be accommodated so as to be moved by the container transfer means.

Suitably, the tray transfer means comprises an equal number of bays adapted to transport containers into and from said station.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises transfer means comprising a first section adapted to engage containers located on a feed means and transport them to a station and a second section adapted to engage containers located in a station and transport them from said station.

Suitably, the apparatus comprises a transfer member comprising a first section adapted to engage containers located on a feed means and transport them to a station and a second section adapted to engage containers located in a station and transport them from said station.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer arm having a stem from which fingers extend. Suitably, the transfer means comprises two container transfer arms each having a stem from which fingers extend.

Suitably, the fingers are arranged to selectively engage with a container. Suitably, the container transfer arms are positioned so that the fingers on the first and second container transfer arms extend towards each other.

Suitably, bays are formed between adjacent fingers for accommodating containers. Suitably, the arms have several fingers arranged down their length to form a number of bays each for accommodating a container.

Suitably, the transfer arm or arms are arranged to advance several containers and have a plurality of bays.

Suitably, the transfer arms comprise equally spaced fingers to form equal sized bays.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to define first bays for transporting containers from the feed means into the station. Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to define second bays for transporting containers from the station.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises fingers adapted, in use, to locate between containers to define bays for containers.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises first fingers adapted, in use, to locate between containers to define first bays for transporting containers from the feed means into the station.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises second fingers adapted, in use, to locate between containers to define second bays for transporting containers from the station.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a first section comprising first fingers defining first bays and a second section comprising second fingers defining second bays and suitably further comprises third fingers separating the first and second sections.

Suitably, said first fingers are shorter than said second fingers. Suitably, said third fingers are substantially the same length as said second fingers.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a transfer arm having a plurality of first fingers, a plurality of longer second fingers and a single third finger. Suitably, the transfer means comprises two transfer arms each having a plurality of first fingers, a plurality of longer second fingers and a single third finger.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises two transfer arms each having fingers and each being adapted to lie on either side of a centreline of a feed means and a station such that the fingers of the transfer arms extend toward said centreline with the said arms substantially mirroring one another.

Suitably, the transfer arms are adapted to move between a position in which they are located by the feed means and the sealing station and a position in which they are located by the sealing station and a transport means.

Suitably, the transfer arms are adapted to move between a position in which they do not enclose any containers in bays, a position in which they enclose containers in second bays but not first bays and a position in which they enclose containers in first and second bays.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a container transfer arm having a first section adapted to engage containers on a feed means and transport them to the station and a second section adapted to engage containers in the station and transport them from the station. Suitably, said first section of the transfer arm comprises first fingers defining bays to receive containers and said second section of the transfer arm comprises second fingers defining bays to receive containers and said second fingers are longer than said first fingers. The transfer means may thus be adapted such that, in use, when the transfer arm is moved toward containers on the feed means and in the station those containers in the station begin to be located into bays before those on the feed means.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises two container transfer arms each having a first section adapted to engage containers on a feed means and transport them to the station and a second section adapted to engage containers in the station and transport them from the station. The arms are suitably positioned either side of a feed means and station centre line to mirror one another and are suitably adapted to operate in tandem. Suitably, said first sections of the transfer arms comprise first fingers defining bays to receive containers and said second sections of the transfer arms comprises second fingers defining bays to receive containers and said second fingers are longer than said first fingers. The transfer means may thus be adapted such that, in use, when the transfer arms are moved toward containers on the teed means and in the station those containers in the station begin to be located into bays before those on the feed means.

The packaging apparatus may consist of a station, feed means and transfer means and may be adapted to be used with other packaging apparatus such as conveyors to form a packaging apparatus assembly.

Alternatively, the packaging apparatus may comprise other components suchi as conveyors in addition to station, feed means and transfer means and may form all or part of a packaging apparatus assembly.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an transfer means for a packaging apparatus, wherein the transfer means is adapted to define a plurality of first container bays and a plurality of second container bays and wherein each first bay is separated from an adjacent first bay by a first finger and each second bay is separated from an adjacent second bay by a second finger and wherein said second fingers are longer than said first fingers.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted to transport containers from a feed means into a station and to transport containers from a station.

Suitably, in use, the first container bays of the transfer means are adapted to transport containers from a feed means into a station and the second container bays of the transfer means are adapted to transport containers from a station.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a first section defining said first bays and a second section defining said second bays. Suitably, said first and second sections are separated by a third finger. Suitably, said third finger is longer than said first fingers. Suitably, said third finger is substantially the same length as said second fingers.

Suitably, the transfer means comprises a transfer apparatus. Suitably, the transfer means comprises an transfer member. Suitably, the transfer means comprises two transfer members, suitably two transfer arms.

The transfer means may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first aspect.

Suitably, the transfer means is adapted for use in an apparatus according to the first aspect.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaging apparatus comprising a transfer means wherein the transfer means is adapted to define a plurality of first container bays and a plurality of second container bays and wherein each first bay is separated from an adjacent first bay by a first finger and each second bay is separated from an adjacent second bay by a second finger and wherein said second fingers are longer than said first fingers.

Suitably, the packaging apparatus comprises a station adapted, in use, to hold containers for a period of time.

Suitably, the packaging apparatus comprises a feed means adapted, in use, to convey containers to said station.

Suitably, the transfer means are adapted, in use, to transport containers from a feed means into a station and to transport containers from a station.

Suitably, the packaging apparatus is adapted such that, in use the transfer means engages containers in a station whilst containers on a feed means are being conveyed towards said station and the transfer means then engages containers on said feed means.

Suitably, the packaging apparatus is adapted such that, in use the transfer means engages stationary containers in a station and the transfer means engages moving containers on a feed means.

Suitably, the packaging apparatus is adapted such that, in use, a feed means does not require to be stopped to allow the transfer means to transport containers therefrom.

The packaging apparatus may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first and/or second aspect. The packaging apparatus may comprise a packaging apparatus according to the first aspect.

The transfer means may comprise any feature as described in relation to the first and/or second aspect. The packaging apparatus may comprise a transfer means according to the second aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of packaging, wherein the method comprises moving containers into and from a station of a packaging apparatus and wherein the method comprises: (a) using a transfer means to engage containers in said station whilst containers on a feed means are being conveyed towards said station and then using said transfer means to engage containers on said feed means; and/or (b) using a transfer means to engage stationary containers in said station and using said transfer means to engage moving containers on a feed means; and/or (c) using a transfer means to transport containers from a feed means into said station without stopping said feed means.

Suitably, the station comprises a sealing station. Suitably, the station comprises a heat sealing station. Suitably, the method comprises sealing a container. Suitably, the method comprises sealing a closure member to a container.

Suitably, the method comprises using transfer means comprising a transfer arm, suitably two transfer arms.

Suitably, the method comprises using a feed means comprising a conveyor, suitably a stepping conveyor.

Suitably, the method comprises interpolating the movement of the transfer means and the containers during a collection phase.

Suitably, the method comprises forming packaged products, suitably packaged foodstuffs.

The method may comprises any feature as described in relation to the first and/or second and/or third aspect.

The method may use a packaging apparatus according to the first and/or third aspect. The method may use a transfer means according to the second aspect.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a packaged product wherein said product is formed using an apparatus according to the first and/or third aspect and/or using transfer means according to the second aspect and/or using a method according to the fourth aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure I shows a packaging apparatus main components; and Figures 2.1 to 2.7 show the operation of the packaging apparatus of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCR IFTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown by Figure 1 the packaging apparatus 10 comprises a station 20 which is a sealing station in which containers are adapted to be held for a period of time whilst they are sealed.

The packaging apparatus 10 further comprises feed means 30 which is a stepping conveyor and is adapted to convey containers to the station 20. A transfer means 40 which comprises transfer arms 400 is adapted to transport containers from the feed means 30 into the station 20 and to transport containers from the station 20.

The apparatus further includes an infeed conveyor 50 adapted to supply containers to the teed means 30 and a transport conveyor 60 adapted to receive containers removed from the station by the transfer means 40.

The transfer means comprises two transfer arms 400 which are substantially identical and located either side of a centre line A-A of the station 20 and feed means 30 such that they mirror one another. The transfer arms 400 are adapted to move in a synchronised manner and operate in tandem.

The transfer means 40 is adapted to define a plurality of first container bays 412 and a plurality of second container bays 422. Each first bay 412 is separated from an adjacent first bay 412 by a first finger 411 and each second bay 422 is separated from an adjacent second bay 422 by a second finger 421. The second fingers 421 are longer than the first fingers 411.

Each transfer arm 400 comprises a first section 410 and a second section 420. The first section 410 comprises the first fingers 41i defining bays 412 adapted to receive containers and the second section 420 comprises the second fingers 421 defining bays 422 adapted to receive like containers. The first and second section 410, 420 are interposed by a third finger 431.

The first section 410 of each arm 400 is adapted to engage containers on the feed means 30 and transport them to the station 20 and the second section 420 is adapted to engage containers in the station 20 and transport them from the station 20. As noted, the second fingers 421 are longer than the first fingers 411. The transfer means 40 is thus adapted such that, in use, when the transfer arms 400 are moved towards containers on the feed means 30 and in the station 20 those containers in the station 20 begin to be located into bays 422 before these on the feed means 30 begin to be located into bays 412.

The apparatus 10 is adapted such that the feed means 30 does not require to be stopped to allow the transfer means 40 to transport containers therefrom.

The apparatus 10 is adapted such that, in use, the second section 420 of the transfer arms 400 engages containers in the station 20 whilst containers on the feed means 30 are being conveyed towards the station 20 and the first section 410 of the transfer arms 400 then engages containers on the feed means 30.

The apparatus 10 is adapted such that, in use, the second section 420 of the transfer arms 400 engages stationary containers in the station 20 and the first section 410 of the transfer arms 400 engages moving containers on the feed means 30.

The apparatus 10 is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means 40 and the containers on the feed means 30 during a collection phase.

The operation of the apparatus 10 is best illustrated by Figures 2.1 to 2.7 which show the sequential operation of the apparatus as containers are moved into and from a sealing station.

As shown by Figure 2.1 containers 1 comprising trays are present in the station (sealing station) 20, on the feed means (stepping conveyor) 30 and on the infeed conveyor 50. The transfer arms 400 of the transfer means 40 are spaced apart from one another and positioned by the sealing station 20 and feed means 30. As illustrated by the arrows the infeed conveyor and feed means 30 are conveying containers 1 towards the sealing station 20 and the transfer arms 400 are moving toward one another. The transport conveyor 60 is also running.

As shown by Figure 2.2 the transfer arms 400 now lie closer together such that containers I in the sealing station 20 have entered bays 422 defined by the second fingers 421. Containers 1 on the feed means 30 can however contnue to be moved towards the sealing station 20 because the shorter first fingers 411 mean the containers may travel past the transfer arms 400. As illustrated by the arrows the infeed conveyor 50 and feed means 30 are conveying containers 1 towards the sealing station 20 and the transfer arms 400 are now stationary.

As shown by Figure 2.3 whilst the infeed conveyor 50 and feed means 30 continue to convey containers 1 towards the sealing station 20 the transfer arms 400 are moved in the direction of travel of the feed means 30. Since the containers 1 in the sealing station are already engaged by the second fingers 421 they begin to be moved from the sealing station as the transfer arms 400 are moved in the direction of travel of the feed means 30. At the same time the transfer arms 400 are moved towards one another with the fingers 411 aligned with spaces between containers 1 on the moving feed means 30 such that the containers 1 enter bays 412 defined by the first fingers 411.

As shown by Figure 2.4 the transfer arms have been moved fully towards one another and movement in that direction has been stopped with containers 1 fully located in bays 412 as well as bays 422. The transfer arms 400 continue to be moved in the direction of travel of the feed means 30 and thus the containers 1 in the sealing station 20 continue to be transported from the sealing station 20 and the containers on the transfer means 30 begin to be transported into the sealing station. At the same time the infeed conveyor 50 and feed means 30 continue to convey containers 1 towards the sealing station 20.

As shown by Figure 2.5 the transfer arms 400 are positioned by the sealing station 20 and conveyor 60. As illustrated by the arrows the infeed conveyor 50 and feed means 30 are still conveying containers 1 towards the sealing station 20. The transfer arms 400 are moving away from one another and the conveyor 60 is running.

As shown by Figure 2.6 the transfer arms 400 are still positioned by the sealing station 20 and conveyor 60 but have been moved apart to release containers 1 in the sealing station 20 and on the conveyor 60. As illustrated by the arrows the infeed conveyor 50 and teed means 30 are still conveying containers 1 towards the sealing station 20 and the conveyor 60 is carrying containers which have been transported from the sealing station 20 away. The transfer arms 400 are being returned towards the feed means 30. Meanwhile, containers 1 are being sealed in the sealing station 20.

As shown by Figure 2.7 the transfer arms have been returned to be positioned by the sealing station 20 and teed means 30. As illustrated by the arrows the transfer arms 400 are now stationary whilst the infeed conveyor 50 and teed means 30 are still conveying containers 1 towards the sealing station 20 and the conveyor 60 is still carrying containers which have been transported from the sealing station 20 away. Meanwhile, containers 1 continue to be sealed in the sealing station 20.

Following the step illustrated in Figure 2.7 the apparatus is ready to repeat the steps of Figures 2.1 to 2.7.

It will be appreciated that preferred embodiments of the present invention may provide improved production speed and may allow for reduced linear speed of conveyors by making preparation and transfer cycles more efficient.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

Claims 1. A packaging apparatus comprising: (i) a station adapted, in use, to hold containers for a period of time; (U) a food moans adaptod, in usc, to convoy containors to said station; and (Hi) a transfer means adapted, in use, to transporT conTainers from said feed means into said station and to transport containors from said station; and whoroin tho apparatus is adaptod such that. in usc: (a) tho transfor moans ongagos containors in tho station whilst containors on tho food moans are being conveyed towards the station and the transfer means then engages containers on the feed means; and/or (b) the transfer means engages stationary containers in the station and the transfer means ongagos moving containors on tho food moans; and/or (c) tho food moans does not roquiro to be stoppod to allow tho transfor moans to transport containers therefrom.
2. A packaging apparatus according to claim I, wherein the apparatus is adapted such I-that, in use: 0 20 (a) thc transfcr moans engages containcrs in the station whilst containors on the food moans c are being conveyed towards the station and the transfer means then engages containers on tho food moans; and (b) tho transfer moans ongagos stationary containors in tho station and tho transfor moans ongagos moving containors on the food moans; and (c) the feed means does not require to be stopped to allow the transfer means to transport containers therefrom.
3. A packaging apparatus according to claim I, wherein the apparatus is adapted such that tho transfor moans ongagos containors in tho station whilst containors on tho food moans arc being conveyed towards the station and the transfer means then engages containers on the feed means.
4. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, whoroin tho apparatus is adapted such that the transfer means engages stationary containers in the station to transport them from the station and the transfer means engages moving containers on the feed means to transport them into the station.
5. A packaging apparatus according to claim 1, whorcin tho apparatus is adapted such that the transfer means engages stationary containers in the station whilst containers on the teed moans aro boing convoyod towards tho station and tho transfor moans thon ongagos moving containors on tho food moans.
6. A packaging apparatus according to claim I, whoroin tho apparatus is adaptod such that tho food moans doos not roquiro to bo stoppod to allow tho transfor moans to transport containors thorofrom.
7. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the feed means is adaptod to solectivoly movo at variablo ratos and/or pauso to allow containors to bo corroctly positionod thoroon.
8. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and the containers during a collection phaso.
9. A packaging apparatus according to any procoding claim, whoroin tho apparatus is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and the contaners on the teed means such that the feed means does not require to be paused or stopped for any longer than 1 socond to allow tho transfor moans to transport containors thorofrom. o 20

C
10. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is adapted to interpolate the movement of the transfer means and the contaners on the teed r moans such that tho food moans doos not roquiro to bo stoppod to allow tho transfer moans to transport containors thorofrom.
11. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the feed means comprises a stepping conveyor.
12. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a gate to control the passage of containers onto the feed means.
13. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises sensor means to sense the position of containers and coordinate movement of the feed means and transfer means.
14. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the station is adapted to hold a plurality of containers and the transfer means is adapted to transport a plurality ot containers into said station and the transfer moans is adapted to transport a plurality of containers from said station.
15. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein tho station comprises a sealing station.
16. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus is adapted to seal a container by scaling a closure member to said container
17. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the transfer means comprises a container transfer apparatus.
18. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the transfer means comprises a container transfer apparatus comprising a container transfer member.
19. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the container transfer means is adapted to define a plurality of bays in which containers can be accommodated so as to be moved by the container transfer means.
20. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises transfer means comprising a first section adapted to engage containers located on a feed means and transport them to a station and a second section adapted to engage containers located in a station and transport them from said station. r21. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the apparatus comprises a transfer member comprising a first section adapted to engage containers located on a feed means and transport them to a station and a second section adapted to engage containers located in a station and transport them from said station.22. A packaging apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the transfer means comprises a first section comprising first fingers defining first bays and a second section comprising second fingers defining second bays.23. A packaging apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the transfer means further comprises third fingers separating the first and second sections.24. A packaging apparatus according to claim 22 or 23, wherein said first fingers are shorter than said second fingers.25. A packaging apparatus comprising a transfer means wherein the transfer means is adapted to define a plurality of first container bays and a plurality of second container bays and whorcin oach first bay is soparatod from an adjacont first bay by a first fingor and cach socond bay is soparatod from an adjacent socond bay by a socond finger and whoroin said socond fingers are longer than said first fingers.26. A packaging apparatus according to claim 25, whoroin tho packaging apparatus comprisos a packaging apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 24.27. A transfer means for a packaging apparatus, wherein the transfer means is adapted to dofinc a plurality of first containor bays and a plurality of socond containor bays and whoroin oach first bay is soparatod from an adjacont first bay by a first fingor and cach socond bay is separated from an adjacent second bay by a second finger and wherein said second fingers are longer than said first fingers.28. A mothod of packaging, whoroin tho rnothod comprisos moving containors into and from a station of a packaging apparatus and whoroin tho mothod comprisos: (a) using a transfor moans to ongago containors in said station whilst containors on a food moans are being conveyed towards said station and then using said transfer moans to engage containers on said feed means; and/or (b) using a transfer moans to ongago stationary containors in said station and using said transfer means to engage moving containers on a feed means; and/or C (c) using a transfer means to transport containers from a feed means into said station without stopping said feed means. r29. A mothod of packaging according to claim 28, whorcin tho mothod comprises: (a) using a transfor moans to ongago containors in said station whilst containors on a food means are being conveyed towards said station and then using said transfer means to engage containers on said feed means; and (b) using a transfcr moans to ongago stationary containors in said station and using said transfor moans to ongago moving containers on a food moans; and (c) using a transfer moans to transport containors from a food moans into said station without stopping said feed means.30. A mothod according to claim 28 or 29 whorcin tho mothod usos a packaging apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 26 and/or a transfer means according to claim 27.31. A packaged product wherein said product is formed using a packaging apparatus according to any of claims I to 26 and/or using transfor moans according to claim 27 and/or using a mothod according to any of claims 28 to 30.32. A packaging apparatus substantially as horoin doscribod with roforonco to any of tho accompanying drawings.33. A transfor moans substantially as horoin doscribod with roforonco to any of tho accompanying drawings.34. A mothod of packaging substantially as horoin doscribod.35. A packagod product substantially as horoin doscribod. r r